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Press Release
PRIM&R and Emory University Host Regional Summit Exploring AI, New Approach Methodologies in Research Ethics
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2026
ATLANTA — Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) worked as co-sponsors and partners with Emory University to hold a Regional Summit on Research Ethics last week. The Summit explored the intersection of ethics, policy, and oversight across a range of issues, including rapid advances in artificial intelligence and the deployment of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in scientific research.
PRIM&R co-presented the in-person event with Emory University in Atlanta on February 26. The event brought together a range of research ethics and oversight professionals, including researchers and institutional leaders, to examine how scientific and technological innovation is reshaping ethical frameworks and regulatory practice.
“As research organizations address emerging technologies and expand ethical frameworks to protect vulnerable populations, we recognize the importance of the Summit’s sessions and conversations,” said PRIM&R Executive Director Ivy Tillman, EdD, CIP. “This Regional Summit created a space to engage the broader community in these important conversations. PRIM&R is proud to have collaborated with Emory University on this event.”
The first session examined how rapid advances in AI and NAMs are reshaping research and raising new ethical, regulatory, and oversight challenges. Speakers discussed regulatory requirements for research involving AI tools and methodologies, challenges associated with exclusively requiring nonanimal testing methods, and the ethical and practical implications of integrating NAMs into existing animal research programs. Panelists included Brenda Curtis, PhD, MsPH; Jennifer Klahn, MA, CPIA; and Janet Stemwedel, PhD.
The second session, “Vulnerability Beyond the Regulations,” featured Emily Anderson, PhD, MPH and David Augustin Hodge, Sr., PhD, DMin, MEd, MTS. This session examined limitations of existing regulatory and ethical frameworks and explored how emerging research methods, digital technologies, and structural inequities can create or intensify vulnerabilities not explicitly addressed in regulations.
March 6, 2026
ATLANTA — Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) worked as co-sponsors and partners with Emory University to hold a Regional Summit on Research Ethics last week. The Summit explored the intersection of ethics, policy, and oversight across a range of issues, including rapid advances in artificial intelligence and the deployment of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in scientific research.
PRIM&R co-presented the in-person event with Emory University in Atlanta on February 26. The event brought together a range of research ethics and oversight professionals, including researchers and institutional leaders, to examine how scientific and technological innovation is reshaping ethical frameworks and regulatory practice.
“As research organizations address emerging technologies and expand ethical frameworks to protect vulnerable populations, we recognize the importance of the Summit’s sessions and conversations,” said PRIM&R Executive Director Ivy Tillman, EdD, CIP. “This Regional Summit created a space to engage the broader community in these important conversations. PRIM&R is proud to have collaborated with Emory University on this event.”
The first session examined how rapid advances in AI and NAMs are reshaping research and raising new ethical, regulatory, and oversight challenges. Speakers discussed regulatory requirements for research involving AI tools and methodologies, challenges associated with exclusively requiring nonanimal testing methods, and the ethical and practical implications of integrating NAMs into existing animal research programs. Panelists included Brenda Curtis, PhD, MsPH; Jennifer Klahn, MA, CPIA; and Janet Stemwedel, PhD.
The second session, “Vulnerability Beyond the Regulations,” featured Emily Anderson, PhD, MPH and David Augustin Hodge, Sr., PhD, DMin, MEd, MTS. This session examined limitations of existing regulatory and ethical frameworks and explored how emerging research methods, digital technologies, and structural inequities can create or intensify vulnerabilities not explicitly addressed in regulations.
About PRIM&R
Since 1974, PRIM&R has advanced the highest ethical standards in the conduct of research. We accomplish this mission through education, membership services, professional certification, public policy initiatives, and community building. PRIM&R is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Find out more at www.primr.org
Media Contact:
Daniel McLean
Public Engagement Manager
Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R)
Direct: 617-303-1877
dmclean@primr.org
www.primr.org